Inter Milan v Manchester United: Man marking

25 February 2009 08:35

Edwin Van Der Sar: A bystander for much of the first half as United cut Inter to pieces with contemptuous ease, but even as Inter pressed in the second scarcely broke into a sweat. 6

John O'Shea: As always, steady and reliable, though his lack of fitness told as the game wore on. Struggled to contain Ibrahimovic in the second half as the Swede drifted wide to pick up possession. 6

Rio Ferdinand: Faced with two of the best strikers in the world, Ferdinand was as composed as ever. Clung like a limpet to Adriano and marshalled his defence well in a tricky second half. 7

Jonny Evans: The young Northern Irishman appears to have learned toughness from Nemanja Vidic and distribution from Ferdinand. Will make way for the Serb at Old Trafford but not because of his performance here. 7

Patrice Evra: The French international is essentially two players in one. Never shirks his defensive responsibilities but his endless overlaps, especially with United on top in the first half, provided a consistent menace. 8

Darren Fletcher: Brought into a central role more as destructor than creator, Fletcher doggedly stuck to his task, harrying and harassing and remaining economical with possession as he looked to help United build attacks. 7

Michael Carrick: His range of passing was outstanding, particularly in the first half, as he seemingly sprayed the ball across the pitch at will. More defensive after the break, but remained United's metronome. 8

Ryan Giggs: A late surge which took him past two players only to see his shot blocked by Ivan Cordoba was reminiscent of the Giggs of old, but this was more a display of maturity than magic. Dropped deep in the second half to keep Sir Alex Ferguson's side fluency in tact. 7

Ji-Sung Park: That the South Korean international is industrious and productive goes without saying, and that is why Ferguson looks to him in big games. But the suspicion remains he is the Scot's natural caution in Europe writ large, lacking the threat of others. 6.

Cristiano Ronaldo: If he doesn't destroy you with his dribbling, he'll get you with his aerial prowess or hisset pieces. Hit the post with one stunning, dipping effort, drew a string of saves from Julio Cesar and was comfortably the most dangerous player on the pitch. 8

Dimitar Berbatov: One exquisite ball for Rooney late on showed his class, but the Bulgarian international finds it difficult to exert his influence at the top level. Worked hard and held the ball up well, proving he is anything but workshy, but his threat was fleeting. 6.

SUBS: Wayne Rooney: Surprisingly omitted from the starting XI, given all the furore over his hamstring and his recent form. His two moments of note were being booked unfairly and almost getting on the end of one inch-perfect Berbatov pass. 6.